Pine Bough Cowl -- Kenzie at its Best!

Here are few photos of the Pine Bough Cowl, a FREE PATTERN, that is knit using Kenzie, the DK weight tweed yarn that is a blend of New Zealand merino, nylon, alpaca and angora, with touches of silk noils. It is a spectacular yarn.

Lori, who works here at Graywood Designs, made this cowl using Color 1015 "Boysenberry" and Color 1018 "Seal."

Lori's knitting projects are on Ravelry, a social media site for knitters that you might not have found yet. Ravelry is a great resource for all kind of knitting information.

Pine Bough is knit as a tube using a two color technique. The ends of the tube are joined to make the cowl. Lori used four skeins of Boysenberry and 2 1/2 skeins of Seal to complete this project.

Kenzie will also be used as the featured yarn for the January 2015 Knit Along (KAL).

January 2015 KAL Project: Unisex Cabled Scarf

How cool! The January 2015 KAL starts on New Year's Day! Whether you are planning a gathering, or hunkering down for the holiday weekend, it will be satisfying to get out a new knitting project and start something. The directions for Week One will be posted at 9 am EST, so you can knit in the morning, take a break, knit in the afternoon, take a break. . .well, you get the idea.

The project, named "Endgame" and designed by Michelle Hunter, will be a unisex cabled scarf and it is knit with HiKoo's wonderful tweedy yarn, Kenzie. The Graywood Designs website carries twenty luscious colors of this DK weight yarn, colors with names like "Boysenberry" (Color 1015, a deep raspberry rose red) and "Kiwi" (Color 1007, an edgy green that leans toward gold).

Michelle Hunter, designer of the KAL series, says that "Kenzie just may be the perfect tweed. . .the smooth, round 3 ply yarn knits into a cohesive fabric that blooms when wet blocked." Kenzie is a blend of New Zealand merino, angora, and alpaca with nylon added for strength. Silk noils complete the blend and add texture and accents to Kenzie

Scarf size:
Approximately 6 1/2" wide; 56" (70") long

(Notice that there are two choices of length for the scarf.)

Yarn:
Kenzie by HiKoo -- 50% New Zealand merino, 25% nylon, 10% angora, 10% alpaca, 5% silk noil,
3 (4) skeins
Waste yarn -- contrasting color in a similar weight, 10 yards

Needles and notions:

US #6 (4.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
US #7 (4.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
Cable needle
Tapestry needle (we suggest the Clover Chibi, a handy notion for knitting)

Gauge:
20 stitches = 4 " in stockinette stitch using larger needle

Purchase Kenzie HERE.

Buy needles HERE.

Follow the KAL clues HERE.

KAL FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

KAL (Knit Along) FAQ

How do I join the KAL?

There is no sign up. During the month of the KAL, you go to the KAL website at Knitpurlhunter.com where the clues are posted every Thursday at 9 am EST for four weeks.

How many KALs are there in a year?

Four. One each in January, April, July, and October, starting on the first Thursday of the month. 

How much does the KAL cost?

Nothing. It is free. The pattern for each KAL is free, too.

Do I have to use the specified yarn?

No.

Is the KAL a mystery?

Yes and no. You will not see photos of the project until the Clue Two (the second week's clue) is posted. You will know the basics -- that it is a scarf or mittens or a hat, etc; what sizes you can knit; what yarn, needles, notions to use; what the gauge is.

Are there clues to the mystery?

Yes. Usually designer Michelle Hunter announces clues. For example, she might indicate that there will be cables, or you will do two color knitting, or the project showcases a new cast on, or a lacework pattern.

Is the knitting hard?

No, but you do need to know how to knit. The directions are detailed and guide you through each stage of the project. If you are a beginner who has accomplished several projects and likes a challenge, these KALs are a great way to further your skills.

How good are the directions?

Excellent. Michelle's directions are detailed and excellent, right down to the number of grams of yarn left at certain stages of the project!  You can print the directions for your personal use. Michelle's online videos back up all of her directions, too. You can follow the comments on the KnitPurlHunter KAL website and you can also join Ravelry.com and follow the knitting there.

Do I need a laptop to follow the KAL?

No. Many knitters use their smartphones to keep up with the clues. You can take a screen shot (or two, or three!) of the directions and have them handy on your mobile wherever you knit.

What if I don't like mystery knitting?

Mark your calendar for the second or third Thursday of the KAL month and take a look at where the KAL is going. There is nothing that says that you must start knitting on the first week with the first clue. Start later, when the mystery has been revealed and you know where the project is going. You will still benefit from all of the instruction and design information.

How do I get started?

Get organized for the KAL. Order the yarn, needles, and supplies indicated. Or round up the yarn and needles that you have that you think might work for the project. Knit a swatch and check for gauge. Be ready for the Thursday at 9 am EST clue to be posted.

Who sponsors this series?

Skacel, a family owned business based in Seattle, sponsors Michelle's design work with the KALs. Skacel has been supplying quality yarns and needles to the knitting world for two generations. 

Do I have to use the yarn specified?

No. But as in taking any class, you will get consistent results by purchasing the suggested materials for the class. Michelle's KALs are definitely learning experiences and using the specified yarn is a great way to learn from a professional knitting educator and designer. By knitting along with Michelle Hunter, you pit your skills against hers as you learn new techniques and new tricks in knitting.

Are all KALs like this?

No. The methodology described in this FAQ covers the KAL sponsored by Skacel and designed by Michelle Hunter.

How is Graywood Designs related to this KAL program?

Skacel is one of our yarn suppliers. We offer premium knitting products on our website and are proud to bring their knitting expertise and products to our online and walk in studio customers.

Information as of December 2, 2014

FREE Magic Loop Class!

FREE Magic Loop Knitting Class

Wednesday, October 29, 2014 -- 1-4 pm

Graywood Studio

Pigeon, Michigan

Supplies needed: 32" or 40" circular needle -- Addi Turbo

 (purchase needle at Graywood)

Size 2.75 mm or US #2 or 3 -- for sock weight

Size US #4 or #5 -- for sport/DK weight

Size US #6 or #7 -- for worsted weight

Light colored yarn appropriate to needle size

If you are a beginner, choose sport/DK or worsted weight yarn.

If you have knitting experience, start a pair of socks on sock weight yarn.

You should have basic knitting experience to take this class.

=====================================================

Hey knitters, try something new!

I'm teaching the magic loop method of knitting socks (or a sleeve, or a toy) on Wednesday, October 29. The class will run from 1 pm to 4 pm.

You will learn how to cast on and knit using a one long circular needle in place of double pointed needles. We will cast on one sock (class does not teach the two-at-a-time sock method) and you will get the gist of how the circular knitting flows using the long needle.

Each student will receive a FREE copy of the Not Rocket Science Socks pattern which is easily adapted to magic loop knitting.

Magic loop knitting eliminates the dreaded "ladders" that can form between the needles when you knit using double points. Using one circular needle instead of four or five double pointed makes sock knitting very convenient since you don't have to keep track of needles that seem to want to slip down the side of your chair at an inconvenient moment.

Please email (merc@avci.net) to reserve your place at the class. (Just say, "Hey Wanda, This is Mary Sue and I'm coming to your class next Wednesday!)

The supply list and the details are listed above. Class size is limited to 10 students (our table is only so big!) so reserve a place now. Come a little early if you need help choosing a needle size and yarn.

Hope to see you at Walk In Wednesday. Stop by and shop from our Graywood Designs Website inventory. We open our doors on Wednesdays every couple of months and have special sales on those days.

We are always open on Wednesdays (that's our website shipping day) and you are welcome to stop in from 10 am to 4 pm on any Wednesday.

Graywood Studio is located at the back of the 40 South Main building. Look for the double doors and the garden entrance.

Hope to see you soon!

Happy knitting,

Wanda

PS  Magic Loop is a REALLY cool technique! Even if you can't come to the class, stop by to see our sample socks in progress!

PPS The Addi Turbo needles make magic loop knitting possible. The cable has to be flexible with a smooth join. We'll have a nice discount for you on these needles on Walk In Wednesday.

October KAL Project Will Be A Cowl!

The October KAL will be a cowl featuring the yarn, Simplinatural. We are carrying all the colors of this super soft and wonderful-to-knit-with yarn.

Michelle Hunter, designer of the KAL series, says that the yarn has "exquisite softness and superior stitch definition," both qualities that make for a great knitting project.

The cowl project comes in three sizes and the circumference can be adjusted to suit the knitter. Michelle has named the project "Namesake."

Size:
1 skein = cowl up to 20" circumference.
2 skeins = cowl up to to 40" circumference.
3 skeins = cowl up to 60" circumference.

Yarn:
Simplinatural by HiKoo, 40% baby alpaca; 40% fine merino wool; 20% mulberry silk, 183 yard/100 gram skein, 1 (2, 3) skeins.

Needles and notions:

US #8 circular needles 16" (24", 40") or size needed to obtain gauge
Cable needle and markers

Gauge:
Approximately 18 stitiches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch.


Purchase Simplinatural HERE.

Buy Addi Turbo needles HERE.

Follow the KAL clues HERE.

KAL Project: Crossbones Style Cowl

I started the Crossbones Cowl KAL, designed by Steve May, last week and am enjoying knitting this project. I'm using HiKoo Kenzie, Color 1015, Boysenberry.

Steve does a weekly video about this project on Mondays in August. His videos are funky and helpful. Even if you don't start this cowl as a Knit Along, be sure to download the pattern for future knitting.  

Next time I will try the Jogless Join with Long Tail Cast On suggested in the pattern. Because I was knitting in the car, I used my standard Cable Cast On. The knitting is on a US #7 Addi Turbo 32" needle. Again the patterns calls for US #6, but I usually knit up one size.

I'm crossing the rows off on the chart as I knit. It helps me keep my place in the knitting, as do the stitch markers that I placed every 24 stitches.

We carry every color of Kenzie, a lovely blend of merino, angora, alpaca, silk, and nylon. Kenzie leans toward a tweed and comes in luscious colors. 

Skein Caution: The patterns calls for three skeins of Kenzie, but I can already tell that I'm probably going to need a fourth skein, so you might want to order 4 skeins to start with. With four skeins, I could have added a ridge or two of the garter stitches that start and end the cowl. I like garter stitch and would do this the next time around.

You can knit this project using Simplicity yarn.  Simplicity, butter soft, is a merino superwash (yes, superwash!), acrylic, and nylon blend. It knits more like a cotton blend and is a delight to handle. 

So here are a bunch of reasons why you might want to do this KAL: 

++ NOT A MYSTERY  You know ahead of time what you are knitting.

++ NO SEAMS   The design uses circular knitting.

++ NOT A SWEATER, NOT A HAT  The project will take some time, but not as much as a cardigan.  So you won't be knitting forever, but you will get in plenty of hours of pleasurable knitting, just in time for cooler weather.

++ IT'S A CHART  And chart knitting is very compelling. "I'll make supper as soon as I finish this row!" Sound familiar?

As always, enjoy the knitting!

This Week is Walk In Wednesday!

Inchie Sockie -- FREE class
Learn to knit socks by making this felted Sockie

Walk In Wednesday
 at Graywood Studio

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

10 am to 4 pm

Stop by to shop and see all the knitting goodies

 that we have on our website!!

On Sale -- Yarns and Needles. . .and MORE!

FREE knitting handout to all who stop by

Morning: Learn to Knit on Double Point Needles -- 10:30 am to noon

Afternoon: Learn to Turn a Heel in a Sock
1 pm to 3 pm

Read the previous BLOG post about the Sock Knitting Classes for more information.

Inchie Sockie Teaches Sock Knitting

Two little Inchie Sockies lie side by side, waiting to have their ends finished off. 

These little socks are examples of a teaching sock that I've been working with for a few years.

Those of you who can get to the sock knitting class on Walk In Wednesday, July 30 at Graywood Studio will have a chance to sit down and knit one of these little cuties. I haven't tried felting them yet, but that is one of the next steps in making these worsted weight socks into a fun thing for holiday decorating. Imagine a tabletop Christmas tree filled with Inchie Sockies, or a doorway swag with these little gems. Very cute.

Here's how the classes will run on Wednesday, July 30th:

Morning Inchie Sockie session 10:30 - noon:

Learn how to knit in the round on four needles. 

 

You will need 2 ounces of Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted and a set of US #4, 5, OR 6 double pointed needles. This is a teaching sock, so gauge is not critical. We will start the cuff for the sock, so you will be knitting one inch of ribbing and one inch of stockinette stitch.

 

Afternoon Inchie Sockie session 1 pm - 3 pm:

Learn how to turn a heel and make the gussets.

 

The afternoon sessions uses the same supplies as the morning session. If you are only coming for the afternoon, please begin your knitting by casting on 36 stitches and knitting in the round on DP needles. Knit one inch of  knit one, purl one (K1, P1) ribbing. Then do another inch of stockinette stitch (knit every round).

More Hints:

If you think you would like to do a two color sockie, bring two different colors. If you are a beginner, choose a lighter color because it is easier to see the stitches and correct mistakes. If you know all about all of this but just want to knit, come anyway!!

Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted

It's such a great yarn for felting and for mittens and hats. We have over 35 colors in stock and carry the twenty five most popular colors that Brown Sheep sold in this yarn in 2013. The green shades shown above include yellow greens (Lime Sorbet is a variegated, while Limeade is a solid color) and the bluer Persian Peacock.

Here are some of the red/violet/blue colors including the sweet shade of Periwinkle and that luscious Sapphire. Mmmm, great for a little girl's hat and mittens.

And here are some of the brighter colors, including the variegated color Elderberry Wine. Orange You Glad is always a punchy orange, often turned to in projects that need some warmth and brightness.

Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted, made in the USA.
190 yards per 4 ounce pull skein
85% wool; 15% mohair

Hat Knit Along Starts July 3

Be ready for the next KAL from Michelle Hunter of KnitPurlHunter. The next project will be a two-color hat design. Michelle says this project (remember, it is always a surprise) is "brimming" with new techniques and that it is the perfect portable project for summer travels. 

Hmm, that sounds great! We are featuring 20 colors. You will find neutrals, some saturated colors, and HOT colors for summer on our website's choices of the yarn for this project, HiKoo Simplicity, a butter soft machine washable yarn. The photo shows 6 of the 20 colors that we carry. Just look at that purple! Red Hat Purple! Cool!

Here are the specifics:

Yarn: HiKoo Simplicity
Content: 55% Merino Superwash, 28% Acrylic, 17% Nylon
Skein size: 50 grams, 107 meters 
Label needle size: US #4-6, 5 stitches per inch

Hat size: The pattern is sized for baby (child, and adult). It uses two colors of HiKoo Simplicity.

Materials for KAL project:
+ HiKoo Simplicity - 1 (2, 2) hanks Main Color, 1 (1, 1) hank Contrasting Color
+ US #4 (3.5mm) needle – straight or circular
+ US #8 (5mm) 16" circular
+ US #8 (5mm) dpns or 32" circulars for Magic Loop method (for crown decreases)
+ Cable needle
+ One 3/4" button

If you want to guess at what Michelle's hat project might look at, HERE are some of her other designs.

And, if you just want to knit a hat this summer, try the Softie Hat, knit using one skein of sock yarn, that I designed. It is a free download on Ravelry and HERE is the link to my pattern. 

And, (whew, one more link!) HERE is the link to sock yarns on the Graywood Designs website.

Happy knitting,

Wanda

PS I couldn't wait to knit with this yarn so I started a scarf using Color 10 Deep Turquoise. The yarn is super soft, holds to the needles well, and flows through my fingers evenly. It is a delight to knit.

Serendipity Tweed Vest

I'm knitting a vest for cool golf days using Brown Sheep Serendipity Tweed. The pattern is the same lace that I'm knitting as a cardigan for my daughter. 

The yarn is smooth and so pleasant to knit. Here's the link to the website where you can read more about this made in the USA yarn from the good folks at Brown Sheep in Nebraska. 

http://www.graywooddesigns.com/product.php?id=92

Walk In Wednesday -- April 30th

FREE Diagonal Squares Class -- Wed., April 30 -- 1-3 pm -- Graywood Studio

Join us this coming Wednesday for our first "Walk In Wednesday." There will be a FREE class in the afternoon. You can see and buy our website yarn in person.

There will be some discounts, just like on our website. We have a bin of charity yarn ready. Some of this yarn is leftover skeins, some has knots or nubs, and it is all great for one of a kind knitting.

We've discontinued some yarns and those are marked way down. Plus, there will be a free copy of our NRS Socks pattern for each person who stops by.

Wednesdays are the days that we ship orders from our website and we are guessing that a lot of you who live or visit the Thumb area of Michigan might like to see our shipping facilities and have a gander at all of the luscious yarns.

The FREE class will be a Diagonal Squares class from 1 pm to 3 pm. You'll learn how to knit a square with a center decrease that is connected by knitting to the next square. For the class, bring a pair of US #7 or 8 or 9 needles and one or two colors of worsted weight yarn. You'll need about 30 yards of each color.

So stop by and shop a bit. We'll be open 10 am to 4 pm. That's Wednesday, April 30, in Pigeon, at the Graywood Studio at 40B South Main Street.

Come around through the garden and in at the double door. Bring some knitting! We'd love to see you!

April KAL Shawl -- Week One

The April Knit Along (KAL), a shawl knit in HiKoo's Rylie yarn, started with a garter stitch tab that quickly expands through several yarn over increase rows into a semi circle shape.

I'm using the pale pink, Color #093 "Abalone," and am loving the way that the pattern work (star stitch) shows up. The first week's directions take you through Row 60 of the pattern. After I got that far, I slipped the stitches on to a holding thread and soaked the knitting. Then I folded it in a damp towel and stretched it out on a tile top table. The photo shows the results.

Week Two of this KAL will be posted on this Thursday morning at 9 am EDT. Michelle Hunter is the designer and moderator of the KAL.

Our studio knitting group has at least four of us knitting this project, plus we have shipped packages of this yarn to customers. What fun!

Abalone & Sea Grass, Rylie Colors

Anybody remember "The Thorn Birds" and Meggie's Ashes of Roses gown? Meggie, played by Rachel Ward, wears a lovely pink dress as she descends a staircase in their Australian bush farm house and falls in love with a handsome priest, played by Richard Chamberlain.

That's what Color #093 in Rylie reminds me of, a soft, slightly dusty pink, sort of like the Victorian Ashes of Roses in Meggie's costume in The Thorn Birds.

Color #093 in Rylie is called "Abalone" and you would need two skeins to knit the April KAL (Knit Along) shawl. Find out more on our BLOG or on our WEBSITE.

Here's another intriguing color, #089 "Sea Grass." It has a hint of teal, a blue green haze that is a subtle grayish green.

Rylie comes in ten colors. We have all of them in stock, ready to ship. This yarn is priced at $25.95, but with our 15% discount, you pay $22.06 per skein.

We charge $4.95 for Shipping & Handling, up to $75. After $75, S&H is free. I know, it's kind of nuts to price S&H that low, but we do, so order today!

Rylie, Featured April KAL Yarn

Michelle Hunter's April KAL will be a shawl knit with Rylie, a new yarn by HiKoo.

Rylie is a luxurious blend of baby alpaca, mulbery silk, and linen. Michelle tells us that the yarn is soft and strong and has lovely hand.

We have ordered all ten colors -- lovely pastels, beachy brights, and soft neutrals -- and all ten colors are in stock and ready to ship.

Michelle is using Color #085 "Sea" for her knitting. Other colors include: Kelp, Periwinkle, Freesia, Guava, Sea Grass, Driftwood, Sandbar, Pearl, and Abalone. There is a 15% discount on this yarn. For the KAL, you will need 2 skeins of Rylie.

HERE is the link to Rylie on our website.

You will also need a US #7 circular needle, 32" recommended.  Treat yourself to a new Addi Turbo circular needle for this project. The tips are smooth and the knitting is insanely delightful.

HERE is the link to Addi Turbo needles on our website.

Order your skeins and needle right away and be ready on Thursday, April 3rd at 9 am EDT for Michelle's very excellent April Shawl Knit Along!

HERE is the link to the Knit Along.

A few more clues from Michelle about this KAL project:

The shawl is a lace based pattern.
Michelle says it is suitable for the advanced beginner knitter.
The shawl is approximately 52" wide.
The gauge, after blocking, is approximately 20 stitches equals 4 inches in stockinette.

CoBaSi Comes in Multicolors Now

CoBaSi comes in five multicolors and they are luscious. The blue multi, #804, would go with denim and jeans. #801 and #802 are the brights in the colorway. Their green, blue, and violet would add pizazz to a sock project.

Browns are captured in #803 and #805, both yarns that are stay in the neutral tones.

CoBaSi is a wool free sock weight yarn. It has wonderful drape and would be great to use for a shawl or scarf. There is silk in the blend, so it has warmth.

CoBaSi Multi Colors